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Messiah University
Messiah University

Wittlinger Scholars Program

Earn funding to support your research!

The Wittlinger Scholars Program provides advanced undergraduate students at Messiah University with funding to support research in Anabaptist, Pietist, Wesleyan or Brethren in Christ studies.

One scholarship is available for the current academic year.

About the Program

Successful Wittlinger Scholars will complete an advanced research project in the fields of Anabaptist, Pietist, Wesleyan, and/or Brethren in Christ studies. The research project will be completed in a credit-bearing course focused on independent, advanced research (e.g., university honors, department honors, independent study, etc.), under the supervision of a full-time Messiah University faculty member. The project will result in a major paper, minimally 25 pages, and a public presentation of the research findings.

 Selection Criteria

  • Current member of the junior class and senior status the following term
  • Completed at least 75 credit hours by the end of the fall term prior to applying, with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher and at least 30 credits earned at Messiah University.
  • Exemplary accomplishments in scholarship, especially research, critical thinking, and writing skills as certified by letters of reference
  • All requirements for graduation completed in time for commencement during the academic year in which the student receives the scholarship

Application Process

All eligible students are encouraged to apply. An application consists of the following items:

  • A completed application form which can be downloaded or provided by the Sider Institute Administrative Assistant, located in 315 Boyer Hall. 
        Application Form: Wittlinger Scholar Student Application Form
  • A résumé, not to exceed two pages, including:
    • Name, major, class standing, current address and telephone number
    • Academic projects and achievements of special merit
    • Previous academic scholarships received
    • General research interest and specific area of intended research for this particular project
  • Two recommendation forms completed by two members of the full-time faculty at Messiah University. Complete the top portion of the form and give it to each faculty member to complete. Faculty should submit their completed forms directly to the Sider Institute (siderinstitute@messiah.edu)
        Recommendation Form: Wittlinger Scholar Student Recommendation Form
  • A brief, two-page maximum summary of the applicant's specific area of research

Applications must be submitted electronically to the Sider Institute, by email (siderinstitute@messiah.edu).

Selection Process

  • Applications are reviewed by the Wittlinger Scholar Selection Committee
  • For the current academic year, one Wittlinger Scholar will be named. Should no students apply for the program, funds will not be expended.

Announcement and Recognition

  • Applicants will be notified of their selection.
Questions may be addressed to Devin Manzullo-Thomas, Director of the Sider Institute for Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan Studies, at dcthomas@messiah.edu